The fourth day of Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda. She is worshipped with devotion and reverence for her blessings of health, wealth, and prosperity. According to Hindu beliefs, the worship of Maa Kushmanda helps remove all obstacles in life, including illness, sorrow, and hardships, while inviting an abundance of wealth and success. It is said that the Goddess’s blessings bring peace, happiness, and spiritual advancement to her devotees.
Maa Kushmanda is regarded as the fourth form of Goddess Durga, and on this auspicious day, devotees perform rituals to seek her divine grace. The tradition and customs surrounding her worship on the fourth day of Navratri are rich and meaningful, filled with prayers, mantras, and offerings that hold deep spiritual significance. Let’s explore the worship procedure, her favorite offerings, the symbolism behind her form, and the best practices for invoking her blessings.
Maa Kushmanda’s Form and Iconography
Maa Kushmanda is depicted as an eight-armed Goddess, and she is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. Each of her eight hands holds a different symbolic item. In her seven hands, she carries a kamandal (water pot), bow and arrow, lotus, an amrit-filled kalash (pot of nectar), chakra, gada (mace), and japmala (rosary). These items are said to represent her ability to bestow various blessings, including wisdom, strength, and spiritual progress. Maa Kushmanda’s vahana (mount) is a lion, which signifies courage and strength.
Her radiant form is said to shine with the brilliance of the sun, and it is believed that she resides within the Sun’s orbit. The power of the sun, which lights up all directions, is said to emanate from her. Her form is symbolically linked to the life-giving energy of the sun, which sustains all life and illuminates the universe.
The Rituals and Worship Method for Maa Kushmanda
To seek Maa Kushmanda’s blessings, devotees wake up early before sunrise and take a bath. After purifying themselves, they wear clean clothes and prepare to offer prayers to the Goddess. The worship begins by lighting incense and offering dhoop (fragrance), gandha (sandalwood paste), akshat (unbroken rice), lal pushp (red flowers), fruits, sweets, and sringar (cosmetic items). Offerings of sweets, particularly malpua (a type of sweet pancake), are considered especially auspicious.
Devotees then chant mantras and perform the Aarti of Maa Kushmanda. This act of devotion is believed to invoke her divine blessings and lead to a prosperous life. It is important to note that the worship of Maa Kushmanda is not just about the physical rituals but also involves deep mental focus and devotion, as the Goddess is believed to recognize the sincerity of the heart.
The Key Offerings for Maa Kushmanda
According to religious traditions, the offerings to Maa Kushmanda must include certain foods and flowers that are especially dear to her. It is believed that offering her favorite foods ensures her blessings for the devotee. The most common offering to Maa Kushmanda is malpua (a sweet, deep-fried dish), along with dahi (yogurt) and halwa (a sweet dish made from various ingredients). It is said that presenting these offerings with devotion will lead to the fulfillment of one’s wishes and desires.
Flowers and Colors for Maa Kushmanda
When it comes to flowers, Maa Kushmanda is said to favor red flowers. Red lotus (lal kamal), hibiscus (lal gudhal), and marigold (genda ke phool) are considered to be the best flowers for offering to the Goddess. These flowers are associated with prosperity, beauty, and strength, qualities that are embodied by Maa Kushmanda.
As for the color of the day, the auspicious color for the fourth day of Navratri is green. Devotees are encouraged to wear green clothing, as this color is believed to please Maa Kushmanda and bring prosperity and growth. The color green symbolizes new beginnings, fertility, and life.
The Important Mantras of Maa Kushmanda
To invoke the blessings of Maa Kushmanda, devotees chant specific mantras. The primary mantra used for her worship is:
Maa Kushmanda’s Mantra:
“ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥”
This powerful mantra is believed to attract divine energy and blessings from the Goddess. In addition to the primary mantra, there is a seed mantra and a stuti mantra used by devotees to praise Maa Kushmanda and seek her blessings:
Seed Mantra:
“ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्माण्डायै नमः”
Stuti Mantra:
“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मां कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
These mantras are an essential part of the worship ritual. The vibrations produced by chanting these sacred words are believed to purify the mind and environment, leading to divine intervention in one’s life.
The Aarti of Maa Kushmanda
The Aarti of Maa Kushmanda is an important ritual performed to honor the Goddess. The Aarti is sung to express gratitude and to invite her divine energy into the worshippers’ lives. The Aarti of Maa Kushmanda is as follows:
Kushmanda Aarti:
“कूष्मांडा जय जग सुखदानी।
मुझ पर दया करो महारानी॥
पिगंला ज्वालामुखी निराली।
शाकंबरी माँ भोली भाली॥
लाखों नाम निराले तेरे।
भक्त कई मतवाले तेरे॥
भीमा पर्वत पर है डेरा।
स्वीकारो प्रणाम ये मेरा॥
सबकी सुनती हो जगदंबे।
सुख पहुँचती हो माँ अंबे॥
तेरे दर्शन का मैं प्यासा।
पूर्ण कर दो मेरी आशा॥
माँ के मन में ममता भारी।
क्यों ना सुनेगी अरज हमारी॥
तेरे दर पर किया है डेरा।
दूर करो माँ संकट मेरा॥
मेरे कारज पूरे कर दो।
मेरे तुम भंडारे भर दो॥
तेरा दास तुझे ही ध्याए।
भक्त तेरे दर शीश झुकाए॥”
This Aarti is an expression of deep respect and devotion, inviting Maa Kushmanda’s presence and blessings. Reciting the Aarti with pure devotion helps to strengthen the connection with the Goddess and ensures her protection and blessings.
Significance of Worshiping Maa Kushmanda
Worshiping Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri is believed to bring positive changes in one’s life. The Goddess is associated with vitality, strength, and radiance, and her blessings are said to uplift the devotee both spiritually and materially. By observing the correct rituals, devotees can seek Maa Kushmanda’s help in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
It is also said that the blessings of Maa Kushmanda remove obstacles, bring peace and harmony, and ensure progress and success in all endeavors. The day is not just about material prosperity but also spiritual growth. By worshiping her, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and progress on the path of self-realization.
The fourth day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, holds immense significance for Hindus. Through proper worship, offering her favorite foods, chanting her mantras, and singing her Aarti, devotees can attract her divine blessings. The energy and radiance of Maa Kushmanda, represented through the sun, brings light into the lives of her devotees.
By following the right rituals and offerings, one can receive Maa Kushmanda’s blessings, leading to happiness, health, and prosperity. As Navratri continues, devotees across the world will continue their prayers, eagerly waiting for Maa Kushmanda’s grace to shine in their lives.
